Updates:)

So, I had my final chemo Wednesday and it is now Saturday night. Well, I feel like total crap. This is all very normal for me now, and lately it’s been taking almost 2 weeks to start feeling better after each chemo. This time I don’t feel the rush to “get better” like I normally do because I don’t have another treatment creeping up on me. Thank Goodness:)

I am getting nervous though. This Wednesday is my last “official” appointment with my Oncologist. He was out of town for my final treatment, so I will be glad to see him. I get blood work done and then….we talk. I have zero idea what he is going to say. I’m not sure if it’s a time to celebrate….a time to reflect….or a time to look into the future. I wish he would walk in the room, throw his papers in the air and say “it’s a miracle… you are cured.” But, I won’t be betting on that. My hope is he’ll use the word “Remission” and let me know how often I need to come back for check ups. I would be comfortable coming back every month or so…but not much more than that. I saw how fast my first lump grew, and never want to be in a position where I have let it go too long.

See that’s the weird thing about all this. I’m not really scared that it will come back. If it does I know there are medicines and treatments that can help fix it. I’m most scared that whatever it is….I won’t catch it in time like I did before. If I hadn’t done my self-exam, and we conceived a baby like we were trying to do…I don’t even want to think of the pickle we would be in. So, I guess I am scared after all. But who with cancer isn’t a little bit scared it will come back?

Now onto some great news I found out this week. 🙂 Through a new friend that was introduced to me over Facebook who had breast cancer, I learned about Women Rock For A Cure. It is a non profit that does a bunch of wonderful things. One great thing is something called Young Survivors Retreat. It is a 4 day retreat in Nashville for women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40 years of age. They do this mainly because only 5% of breast cancer patients are under the age of 40. I was 32. So, they pick 20 or so women and give them an all expense paid trip to Nashville to this retreat. Well the day we were to submit our application and essay I had chemo. And this chemo was a bad one! It was over 6 hours long and I kept trying to fill out the info on my iphone..but I just didn’t have the energy. Later that night I sat in the office all ready to get my essay going to then find out they had closed it because of so many applicants! I sat at the computer crying my eyes out. I emailed them, and sent them a Facebook message explaining everything and to please atleast give me a chance to apply. Well, the next day I was told I was able to email my info and it would be submitted for me.
Well, Friday morning I got an email saying I was chosen to go! Yeah! I have already been in contact with a few other ladies going. When we message each other our stories all sound so much alike it’s scary. I can’t wait to go and learn about all these women.

Anyhow, my legs are throbbing from nerve pain and I need to take a bath… so I will end it here. Like everyday, there are ups and there are downs. This is no different after you are diagnosed with cancer. Each and every day is a gift from God….and I’m not going to waste a single one… cancer or no cancer.

Attached is a picture of a shirt I’ll wear to my appointment on Wednesday. I have really made a connection with my Oncologist and his staff. They were there at my lowest of low’s, and want to be there to celebrate my highest of high’s. He promised to “get me through this.” and indeed he did. That atleast deserves a shirt 😉

HELP JEN BEAT CANCER AND PAY HER MEDICAL BILLS!

My Girls and I

Kaylee & I

Sophie & I

CONTACT INFO:

ABOUT THIS BLOG:

I wanted to start this blog so other women, family and friends could see a real perspective into the life of cancer. Not just what I am experiencing, but what others may experience or see loved ones experience themselves. I am a mom of two girls (Kaylee 10, and Sophie 4) We live in Rolla, MO and all of my treatments will be here at Phelps County Regional Medical Center.

I was diagnosed on January 16, 2013, at 5:15 p.m. A moment in time I believe the Earth stopped turning, and my heart stopped beating. Even if it was for a split second. This blog was started January 21, 2013 at 6:22 p.m. when I was ready to speak. (and when my S.I.L. Claire was ready to help with the tech stuff:) I hope you enjoy taking this journey with me. I WILL beat Breast Cancer!

I did not want to turn to Google for my answers, I wanted to find my own. These are them.

HOW TO EXAM:
http://www.checkyourboobies.org/education/breast-self-exam/

MORE INFO:
Helen Litz, RN, in the Breast Center. She is more than happy to help. PCRMC has several funds that can be used for people without insurance/need payment plans that need mammograms or other care. 573-458-3100